Editor's Note: Thunderbolts #120 arrives in stores tomorrow, May 14.

"Caged Angels: Part V"

This is going to be short, but sweet.

Warren Ellis' penultimate issue of Thunderbolts is his best yet. There is not another book on the stands that is as good as this. Period. Deodato's art is perfect. The Green Goblin has never been scary to me, but in this issue, he's a freaking nightmare come to life. And there are at least two full page splashes that are as disturbing, frightening, sexy, and beautiful as anything you're going to find in comics.

The two artists work together with a spot-on rhythm and cinematic pacing. Just look at the preview pages, where we follow a psychically pushed past the tipping point Norman Osborn as he literally descends into full-on psychosis. None of the dialogue is plot driven. It all is being used to reveal character, from free-associations about historic moments in comics (and their retcons), to delusional power fantasies. All this while the panel layouts, the angles, and the effective use of heavy, dramatic shadowing build the tension and work thematically, and look great doing it.

Ellis may be one of the best writers in comics today when it comes to scripting and plotting out a character's transition into costume. And Deodato's images capture perfectly the particular brand of crazy that Osborn is ranting. Just look at that naked stance as he declares, "So says President Goblin!" He's a hero in his own mind.

Mr. Ellis and Mr. Deodato should be chained to chairs and made to create this comic until they are slobbering, gibbering messes. Providing they aren't already.

No other comic on the shelves makes me as gloriously, derangedly happy as this title, and this is the best issue yet. Or did I say that already? Whatever.

If you're not reading this, you are truly missing out on some of the most gleefully evil and entertaining work out there. The only thing that would make this better would be if the characters could swear. It's that kind of great.

I'm going to miss this when it's over.

What's that? The series isn't ending when Ellis and Deodato leave?

Yes it is.

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